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The Skinny on Fats Part IIIAsk anyone. They know. Cholesterol is bad. Or is it? What exactly is cholesterol anyway? Cholesterol is a high molecular weight alcohol that is manufactured in the liver and most cells. It is not something that simply comes from eating a high fat diet. In fact, diet directly contributes only about 3% to blood levels of cholesterol. It is made by the body because it plays a vital role in the healthy functioning of the body. Consider the following normal physiological functions of cholesterol: Consider the following normal physiological functions of cholesterol
What about the supposed “good” (HDL) and supposed “bad” (LDL) cholesterol? Again, let’s take a look at the normal physiology. HDL stands for high density lipoproteins. They function as a carrier of cholesterol away from the tissues to the liver for breakdown and reconjugation. (The liver breaks apart the lipoprotein molecules and throws away the unusable parts and re-uses the useful parts. Hmm…Seems that the body has a very good recycling system when normal physiology is supported!) . LDL stands for low density lipoproteins. They function as the carriers of lipids and cholesterol to the tissues for building and repair. So, thinking physiologically still, the higher these LDL’s (bad??) the more tissue building and repair is going on in the body. I don’t know about you, but I certainly would rather live in a house that is being repaired as needed than one that is run down and not able to be repaired due to lack of materials. So, I know this may be bold, but I will say that cholesterol is NOT the cause of heart disease; rather it is a potent antioxidant weapon against heart disease. Where there is arterial wall or other organ damage, the body will send cholesterol to repair that damage. Therefore, blaming cholesterol for cardiovascular disease is like blaming the police for crime. The LDL police go out and subdue the criminals and the HDL police bring them in. So, why all the bad press and misinformation about cholesterol? I refer you to an excellent book written by John Abramson, MD, “Overdosed America”. This is an easy-to-read, very intriguing book written for every American. It will open your eyes to the state of “drugcare” in this country. And to give credit where credit is due, the works of the nutritionist/biochemist, Mary Enig, Ph.D., has been the source for the information used for my three “The Skinny on Fats” articles. -
Dr. Janice M. Piro, DC, DABCI |
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